Vehicle Start-Stop Override Module for Persistent Disable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles with automated start-stop systems lack a persistent manual override option, forcing drivers to activate the override every time they start the vehicle, and some vehicles do not provide any override functionality, leading to user dissatisfaction and potential reliability concerns.

Innovation Solution

A module that automatically defaults the automated start-stop system to 'off' by either being installed in-line with a manual override button or connected to the vehicle's CAN bus, allowing it to simulate the manual override action each time the vehicle is started, ensuring the feature remains disabled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual override button is provided for the automated start-stop system, then drivers can disable the feature, but they must press the button every time they start the vehicle, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disabling start-stop featureVSAvoidtime required to press override button repeatedly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The override module performs the override action in advance by automatically sending the disable signal to the body control unit when the vehicle is started, eliminating the need for the driver to press the override button manually each time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The override module operates autonomously without requiring driver intervention, automatically detecting when the vehicle is started and sending the appropriate override signal to disable the start-stop feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If no manual override is provided, then the automated start-stop system operates reliably, but driver satisfaction decreases and reliability concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of automated start-stop systemVSAvoiddriver control over start-stop feature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The override module acts as an intermediary between the driver's desired state (start-stop disabled) and the vehicle's control system, communicating the override status to the body control unit through the CAN bus without disrupting the automated system's reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the override module automatically disables start-stop on vehicle start, then persistent disabling is achieved, but additional system complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersistent override functionalityVSAvoidcomplexity of override system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The override module is designed to work with the vehicle's existing CAN bus and body control unit, utilizing existing communication infrastructure rather than requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby minimizing additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The override module replicates the function of manually pressing the override button by sending the same digital signal through the CAN bus, using a simplified automated approach to achieve the same control effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11686281B2Start stop override module

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 METRA ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to “off.” A first embodiment uses a module that is installed in-line with a manual override button. A second embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.